New faces in defence as Sabella announces Argentina squad

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has announced the squad that will play two US friendlies in November, calling up three new defenders as preparations for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil get underway.

Sabella carried out a fact-finding mission in Europe earlier this month as he looks for alternatives at the back, reflected in the list of 25 players released today ahead of matches against Ecuador and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Fiorentina defender Facundo Roncaglia, Lucas Orban, of Bordeaux, and Porto's Nicolás Otamendi all received the call from the ex-Estudiantes chief for the double-header.

The rest of the squad has a familiar look to it, with captain Lionel Messi returning to action after missing the final World Cup qualifiers through injury. Argentina will take on Ecuador in the Metlife Stadium, New Jersey on November 15, before facing Bosnia three days later in St. Louis' Busch Stadium.